LAPD Arrest One of Their Own for Distribution of Harmful Matter to a Juvenile NR16260an

In October 2015, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) became aware that on several occasions, LAPD Police Officer II Abel Montes De Oca, a 9 year veteran, had unlawfully submitted harmful matter (text messages) to a juvenile. Montes De Oca, was immediately assigned to home pending the outcome of the internal investigation.

Montes De Oca, was assigned as a Youth Services Officer working with Cadets, while assigned to the Office of Operations.

On Thursday August 19, 2016, investigators arrested Montes De Oca, at the Police Headquarters Facility in Los Angeles, for multiple charges. The arrest of Montes De Oca came after several months of investigation by the LAPD’s Internal Affairs Group-Administrative Valley Section, while Montes De Oca continued to be assigned home.

Montes De Oca was booked at the LAPD Metropolitan Detention Center on the following misdemeanor charges; 288.2.A2 PC (Distribution of Harmful Matter to a Juvenile), 647.6 PC (Child Annoying) and 135 PC (Destruction of Evidence). His bail amount is $250,000.

The Department immediately recognized the need to provide the victim with support services to ensure their wellbeing and recovery from this unfortunate incident. The Department will continue to provide those services to the victim as necessary.

For any questions please contact LAPD Media Relations Section at (213) 486-5910. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with a letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.